3D Facelift Minneapolis

Over the years, a number of derma fillers are available for temporarily improving facial areas that have lost fullness or have developed deep lines. Some synthetic implants can be used to produce a permanent result. Unfortunately, the human body views such implants as foreign objects and its reactions may lead to many complications, such as inflammation, infection, and migration. In general, synthetic implants are less likely to produce a result that looks and feels natural.

Performed by cosmetic surgeons for decades, fat transfer (fat grafting) has been considered the ideal method of soft tissue augmentation. It is preferred over tissue fillers such as Restylane, which typically lasts only 6 months. The fat, harvested from areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks, is removed and processed using specialized techniques before injection to ensure that only viable fat is used.

In the past, fat grafting could not produce permanent results due to the eventual resorption and breakdown of the harvested fat after being injected. Because too much fat was injected into areas at one time, the fat could not gain enough blood to survive.

Structural fat grafting is an advanced fat transfer technique available to patients who hope to permanently restore and rejuvenate facial areas with more natural looking results. Smaller amounts (less than 0.1 cc at a time) of fat are carefully microinjected in a series of distinct layers, and the space between each injection allows new blood vessels to grow into the grafted fat. This way, each new location of fat is able to gain its own blood supply and gradually grow long term, providing beautiful and permanent results.

Lip Augmentation
The purpose of a lip augmentation through fat transfer is to create fuller, more attractive lips that may have become wrinkled or thin over the years. Lip augmentation is traditionally done using derma fillers, such as Restylane or Juvederm, but these typically last only 6 months. A long term method to rejuvenate lips is to use fat transfer techniques. Using a structural fat grafting technique, the surface area of the lip is increased and restored to look more full and youthful. In addition to volume, the technique also focuses on enhancing the contours of the lip to produce a more aesthetically pleasing, long lasting result.

Brow, Upper Eyelids & Temples
An indication of one’s youthful appearance is fullness, especially in the upper face area. The shape of the skull and the rims around the eyes become more visible as one ages, often creating a frowning or scowling appearance. The eyes may appear more deep set and gaunt looking, or the skin around the brows or eyes may begin to sag. With the structural fat grafting technique, the brow, upper eyelids, and temples can be restored back to their original fullness.

Chin and Jawline
A well defined and sculpted jawline is an ideal feature of any youthful face. As the face ages, however, fullness in the jaw and chin area is reduced, and the face deflates. Without fullness and support, the leftover skin remains saggy and hangs over the jawline area. Dr. Shu developed RejuveFace™ , a system used for facial procedures that combines the Vaser Hi Def LipoSculpture technique with micro fat injection (fat transfer). He uses the Vaser facial probe to contour the chin and jawline area first. He then performs micro fat injection to rejuvenate the jawline using structural fat grafting system techniques. RejuveFace™ can restore fullness between the chin and jowl, changing facial proportion to create a more sculpted, clean appearance.

Nasolabial Folds / Marionette Grooves
As the face ages and the skin around the mouth loses its fullness, the unsupported skin sinks into folds, wrinkles, and creases known as nasal labial folds and marionette grooves. As these folds become more pronounced, emotional expressions can become fixed on the face, making the face appear older and more tired. With new fat grafting, the nasal labial folds can be returned to a younger state. This is achieved by using fat grafting over an area, not just on a single fold or groove, to add support to the facial structures.

What are the differences between the Rejuveface™ and other facial fat transfer?